Couple caught with crack cocaine claim innocence

A Wakeman man and his live-in girlfriend facing drug charges pleaded innocent Monday in Huron County Common Pleas Court.

Desiree M. Collins, 55, of 16 E. Main St., Apt. C (rear), Wakeman, goes to trial Feb. 18 on one count each of possession of cocaine and tampering with evidence.

Barry Busek, 58, goes to trial March 6 on one count each of possession of cocaine and tampering with evidence.

Each defendant is subject to random drug screens.

The charges stem from a noontime July 27 traffic stop by Huron County sheriff’s deputies at the intersection of U.S. 20 and Ohio 60.

Authorities launched an investigation involving the couple and allegations of crack cocaine abuse a few weeks prior to the traffic stop. “They were stopped on their way back from Lorain County where they allegedly went to purchase crack cocaine,” Detective Sgt. Josh Querin said

At the scene of the arrests were Detective Eric Bardar, Detective Kayla Zander, Deputy John Vogel, Sheriff Dane Howard, Special Deputy Dave Battles and Querin.

"Desiree Collins, who was driving, was stopped for driving under suspension,” Querin said. “At first, Desiree failed to pull over when lights were activated on marked cruisers.

“She appeared to try and elude authorities,” he added. “She eventually stopped and was found to be in possession of suspected crack cocaine."

They allegedly attempted to hide the cocaine before they stopped the vehicle, resulting in the tampering charge, Querin said.

Collins also was charged with failure to comply with the orders of a peace officer.

“Desiree admitted to smoking crack cocaine earlier that day,” Querin said. “We believe she was a risk to other motorists on the roadway.”

Querin said both suspects have an extensive criminal history.

Deputies found a suspected crack pipe in the vehicle and suspected crack cocaine on Busek.